Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com

                            They Make Patriotism a ***** Word

                  “…Devil with Devil ****’d / Firm concord holds…”

                                   -Paradise Lost II, 496-497

How did they make patriotism a ***** word?
A conjuring not of loyalty or love
But rather foul images of bloated men
In bug-eyed shades, knee pants, and slogan tees

                    Cradling their guns in flabby tatted arms

Why did they make patriotism a ***** word?
No consideration of what is best for the nation
But rather foul images of treacherous men
In tailored suits and subtle imported ties

                    Cradling their contempt in Pandaemonian cant

The Q, the X, mechanical law degrees –
Devil with devil ****’d firm concord holds

                    Cradling their proud disobedience before God